Chapter 33

"Well, it's you two. You're here to escort us this time, I see."

When I arrived at the place mentioned in the request letter, I was greeted by several merchants. Among them was a cart carrying women and children, indicating that this was a fairly large-scale move.

"Yes, that's right."

"You look like kids."

"However, I am a magician, and she is also an excellent magician, so I hope you can rest assured."

"Ah, you're magicians. That's a relief."

And so, the escort for the merchants began.

The merchants pulled carts loaded with goods, and we boarded the carts as they moved forward. According to what I heard, a forest called Oscro Forest, which we must pass through on our way to the neighboring town, is known to be where monsters appear. That's why they asked the guild for an escort.

"Well, it's not a forest where monsters often appear, you know."

One of the merchants said this. If no monsters appear, we might not have a chance to show our skills.

By the way, Orobas was sound asleep in the cart. It seems the cause was alcohol. For a moment, I considered throwing him out of the cart.

"Fokarol, are you willing to teach me some wind magic now?"

"I don't understand what you mean. Why would I want to do that?"

Of course, there's no way she would change her mind.

"I thought that through this, I could show how magic can help people."

"Even without magic, it's possible to help people. In fact, I heard that most of the people in that guild are not magicians."

Indeed, most adventurers are not magicians. They use swordsmanship or spear techniques to fight monsters.

To begin with, magic is the act of using magical power to create phenomena. However, in reality, magical power is not something only magicians possess. It is said that even the act of moving one's body or thinking, which anyone can do, requires magical power. The difference between magicians and others lies in the absolute amount of magical power. Magicians possess vast amounts of magical power, allowing them to manipulate spirits and other entities using this power.

In fact, swordsmen and spear users also utilize their limited magical power. By using specific breathing techniques and movements called forms, they can increase their limited magical power and enhance their physical abilities. They refer to this series of actions as mana manipulation. Mana and magical power are essentially the same thing, but they have their own policies regarding the term mana. Some skilled swordsmen and spear users can even overwhelm ordinary magicians.

As a side note, magicians call this mana manipulation "enhancement magic." However, enhancement magic is considered a barbaric technique and is not widely used. I, for one, have never even tried to learn it.

"However, there's no sign of any monsters appearing."

"Well, it's better if they don't."

I was talking with Fokarol about this when—

"Kyaaaaaaa!!"

A scream echoed from another cart. I quickly stood up, but Fokarol reacted even faster. She rolled out of the cart and ran toward the source of the scream.

"Huff!"

She took a deep breath, and then released wind from both hands, blowing away a monster that was about to pounce on a child.

"A giant claw wolf."

Looking at the fallen monster, I identified it as such. The characteristic of giant claw wolves is that they attack in groups. Sure enough, many more were lurking in the forest undergrowth.

This could get a bit tricky. I thought to myself. Incidentally, Orobas was still sound asleep, showing no signs of waking up.